Year 8, Day 187: Psalm 41

Theological Commentary: Click Here

There is an interesting trend that becomes quite clear when reading the psalms.  More often than not, the people in the psalms mentioned in connection with God have a few specific things in common.  They are the poor, the downtrodden, the outcast, the persecuted.  It is rare that we hear positive mention of the rich, well-to-do, and powerful.

It think there is a very plain reason for this.  Those who need God seek Him.  Those who seek Him find Him.  He does not hide from those who seek Him honestly and humbly.  But one must desire to seek Him.  If one does not live a life that has need of Him, why would someone seek Him?

I think there is a deeper level to this fact that we should discover.  Remember that the most prolific psalmist was David.  He was a king.  He was the greatest Hebrew of his time.  He is the one who is writing about the poor, the downtrodden, and outcast.

I think there are two linked reasons for this.  First, David is a man after God’s own heart.  He acknowledges his failings and humbly presents himself before God.  Although he is king of the Hebrew people, he’s not out of touch with his humanity and his failings.  When David thinks about himself, he sees himself as a part of the poor and outcast.  That can teach us a good bit about leadership.

The second reason that we hear so much about the poor and outcast in David’s psalms is because of his humble beginnings.  Remember that David was a shepherd.  He was the youngest of his family, his brothers all growing up and becoming men before he did.  He would understand the life of the poor; he would certainly understand the life of the oppressed.  If we want humble leaders, it makes sense to look from among people who understand humble beginnings.

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